1. Liverpool 0-0 Athletic Bilbao
2. Match number two is under way at Anfield!
5. Another rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone is sung by Anfield before kick-off, as once again the fans pay tribute to Diogo Jota by raising scarves, flags and shirts featuring his name.
7. Liverpool v Athletic Bilbao (20:00 BST)
8. Ernesto Valverde also sends out a strong side for match two, with brothers Nico Williams and Inaki Williams in the Athletic Bilbao starting 11.
9. Athletic Bilbao XI: Simon, Areso, Vivian, Yuri, Adama, Jauregizar, Ruiz de Galarreta, I Williams, Sancet, N Williams, Maroan.
10. Subs: Santos, Navarro, Canales, Vencedor, Izeta, Ares, Dunabeitia, Johaneko.
11. Image source, Getty Images
14. Huge cheers from the Anfield crowd as the team is announced, especially for the new signings getting their first taste of action at their new home – and of course, the main man, Mo Salah.
15. Kick-off is just five minutes away as the Premier League champions complete their pre-season preparations.
17. Liverpool v Athletic Bilbao (20:00 BST)
18. Five of Liverpool’s summer signings are involved from the start.
19. Florian Wirtz, signed for a guaranteed £100m and a further £16m in add-ons, will be the player all Liverpool fans are eager to see in action at Anfield.
20. Hugo Ekitike, the club’s new £69m striker, right-back Jeremie Frimpong, left-back Milos Kerkez, and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili all make the first XI here.
21. They’re joined by the likes of Mo Salah, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch in strong line-up.
22. Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili, Frimpong, Konate, Endo, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo, Ekitike.
23. Subs: Pecsi, Chiesa, Nallo, Morrison, Davidson, Wright.
24. Image source, Liverpool
26. Liverpool v Athletic Bilbao (20:00 BST)
27. Right then, to the teams.
28. After enjoying seeing the young players seize their moment in the spotlight, there’s plenty more for Liverpool fans to get excited about in this Anfield line up…
30. Liverpool v Athletic Bilbao (20:00 BST)
31. In case you’re only just joining us, Liverpool won tonight’s first game 4-1, with teenagers Rio Ngumoha and Ben Doak starring for the Reds – while there were also goals for Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott.
32. That match was preceded by tributes to Diogo Jota, and there was also a break in play in the 20th minute – in reference to his shirt number – as players, staff and supporters united in applause.
33. Image source, Getty Images
35. Liverpool v Athletic Bilbao (20:00 BST)
36. We go again.
37. Part two of Liverpool’s double-header against Athletic Bilbao will be getting under way shortly, as the Premier League champions continue to finalise their preparations for the new season.
38. For Arne Slot’s side, that begins this Sunday in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace, with their Premier League campaign beginning just five days later at home to Bournemouth on Friday, 15 August.
39. And this second match features many of – if not all – the players you would expect to start in those matches.
40. Image source, Getty Images
43. We’re going to pause this live text and return for the second match between Liverpool and Atheltic Bilbao, just before 8pm, when the Liverpool fans will have the chance to see some of their big-money signings in action at Anfield.
44. Catch you then!
46. Liverpool 4-1 Athletic Bilbao
47. Liverpool have everyone behind the ball and are just seeing this out now – or at least they are until they turn over possession and break at speed.
48. They won’t get chance to add a fifth, though. A job well done in friendly one of two.
50. Liverpool 4-1 Athletic Bilbao
51. Arne Slot is still shouting instructions on the sidelines as the clock ticks down on this first match.
52. He may not look it right now, but he must be pleased with the level his players have shown here, with a few young stars taking their opportunity to shine.
54. Liverpool 4-1 Athletic Bilbao
55. Athletic Bilbao are denied a second by the offside flag, and Arne Slot takes the opportunity to make another change before the final five minutes.
56. Curtis Jones makes way for Michael Laffey.
58. Liverpool 4-1 Athletic Bilbao
59. A reminder that we’ll be doing this all again at 8pm, when we’ll see a second match contested largely by both club’s first teams.
61. Liverpool 4-1 Athletic Bilbao
62. Darwin Nunez exits the pitch, with a goal to his name, making way for Lewis Koumas.
63. No big goodbye or hint that he’s going anywhere.
65. Gorka Guruzeta
66. Gorka Guruzeta gets one back for the visitors.
67. It’s an unfortunate one for Luca Stephenson, who misreads a cross and ends up heading it behind him, into the path of Guruzeta for an easy finish past Armin Pecsi.
68. Liverpool have become a bit complacent at the back, but I suppose that is somewhat forgivable at four goals to the good in a pre-season friendly.
70. Liverpool 4-0 Athletic Bilbao
71. It’s a triple change for Athletic Bilbao as Ernesto Valverde tries to get something out of this first match.
72. Alejandro Rego, Nico Serrano and Andoni Gorosabel are replaced by Unai Vencedor, Adu Ares and Johaneko Louis-Jean.
74. Liverpool 4-0 Athletic Bilbao
75. Liverpool get a little bit complacent as they move the ball about at the back but Athletic Bilbao can’t take advantage as Gorka Guruzeta sends a shot into the stands.
76. A few changes coming up for the visitors.
78. Liverpool 4-0 Athletic Bilbao
79. Corner to Liverpool as they go in search of a fifth, which goalscorer Harvey Elliott will take, but he fails to beat the first defender.
81. Liverpool 4-0 Athletic Bilbao
82. Remember the name.
83. Rio Ngumoha, 16, leaves the field to huge cheers from the home support, with a goal, an assist and countless exciting runs at the Athletic Bilbao back line to show for a very, very promising display.
84. Trey Nyoni also comes off, as Trent Kone-Doherty and Tommy Pilling get some game time.
85. Image source, Getty Images
87. Liverpool 4-0 Athletic Bilbao
88. The hosts are completely in control of this and are knocking the ball around with confidence in the evening sunshine on Merseyside. Curtis Jones is bossing the centre of the park and really enjoying himself.

Page 2

2. We’re going to pause this live text and return for the second match between Liverpool and Atheltic Bilbao, just before 8pm, when the Liverpool fans will have the chance to see some of their big-money signings in action at Anfield.
3. Catch you then!
5. Liverpool 4-1 Athletic Bilbao
6. Liverpool have everyone behind the ball and are just seeing this out now – or at least they are until they turn over possession and break at speed.
7. They won’t get chance to add a fifth, though. A job well done in friendly one of two.
9. Liverpool 4-1 Athletic Bilbao
10. Arne Slot is still shouting instructions on the sidelines as the clock ticks down on this first match.
11. He may not look it right now, but he must be pleased with the level his players have shown here, with a few young stars taking their opportunity to shine.
13. Liverpool 4-1 Athletic Bilbao
14. Athletic Bilbao are denied a second by the offside flag, and Arne Slot takes the opportunity to make another change before the final five minutes.
15. Curtis Jones makes way for Michael Laffey.
17. Liverpool 4-1 Athletic Bilbao
18. A reminder that we’ll be doing this all again at 8pm, when we’ll see a second match contested largely by both club’s first teams.
20. Liverpool 4-1 Athletic Bilbao
21. Darwin Nunez exits the pitch, with a goal to his name, making way for Lewis Koumas.
22. No big goodbye or hint that he’s going anywhere.
24. Gorka Guruzeta
25. Gorka Guruzeta gets one back for the visitors.
26. It’s an unfortunate one for Luca Stephenson, who misreads a cross and ends up heading it behind him, into the path of Guruzeta for an easy finish past Armin Pecsi.
27. Liverpool have become a bit complacent at the back, but I suppose that is somewhat forgivable at four goals to the good in a pre-season friendly.
29. Liverpool 4-0 Athletic Bilbao
30. It’s a triple change for Athletic Bilbao as Ernesto Valverde tries to get something out of this first match.
31. Alejandro Rego, Nico Serrano and Andoni Gorosabel are replaced by Unai Vencedor, Adu Ares and Johaneko Louis-Jean.
33. Liverpool 4-0 Athletic Bilbao
34. Liverpool get a little bit complacent as they move the ball about at the back but Athletic Bilbao can’t take advantage as Gorka Guruzeta sends a shot into the stands.
35. A few changes coming up for the visitors.
37. Liverpool 4-0 Athletic Bilbao
38. Corner to Liverpool as they go in search of a fifth, which goalscorer Harvey Elliott will take, but he fails to beat the first defender.
40. Liverpool 4-0 Athletic Bilbao
41. Remember the name.
42. Rio Ngumoha, 16, leaves the field to huge cheers from the home support, with a goal, an assist and countless exciting runs at the Athletic Bilbao back line to show for a very, very promising display.
43. Trey Nyoni also comes off, as Trent Kone-Doherty and Tommy Pilling get some game time.
44. Image source, Getty Images
46. Liverpool 4-0 Athletic Bilbao
47. The hosts are completely in control of this and are knocking the ball around with confidence in the evening sunshine on Merseyside. Curtis Jones is bossing the centre of the park and really enjoying himself.
49. Liverpool 4-0 Athletic Bilbao
50. Athletic Bilbao have offered more resistance in this second half but, while this may be a second team for Liverpool, they still have too much quality when the opportunities arrive.
52. Harvey Elliott
53. A fourth!
54. The game had fallen a little bit flat but the hosts up the tempo as Kostas Tsimikas feeds in Darwin Nunez, who shows his strength to hold off a defender and tee up Harvey Elliott for a simple finish.
56. Liverpool 3-0 Athletic Bilbao
57. Off come Ben Doak and Alexis Mac Allister, on go Jayden Danns and Wellity Lucky.
58. Andy Robertson must be feeling OK after all.
60. Liverpool 3-0 Athletic Bilbao
61. Curtis Jones breaks through the midfield and tries to set Ben Doak away – but the Athletic Bilbao defence is alert to the danger.
62. Jones is then penalised for a foul and Arne Slot will make a couple of changes now.
64. Liverpool 3-0 Athletic Bilbao
65. Andy Robertson is hobbling a bit here after getting caught in a tackle and it looks like Arne Slot is preparing to make a change.
67. Liverpool 3-0 Athletic Bilbao
68. Armin Pecsi makes a great save as he charges out of his goal to close down the angles, and the Anfield support are quick to acknowledge that intervention.
69. The first time Liverpool have really been opened up but Pecsi was more than ready for it.
71. Liverpool 3-0 Athletic Bilbao
72. Armin Pecsi gets his first touch of the ball as a poor free-kick hits the Liverpool wall and the Hungarian goalkeeper dives on it after it rolls through. A bit more purpose about Athletic Bilbao at the start of the second half.
74. Liverpool 3-0 Athletic Bilbao
75. Away we go in the second half… or second quarter of tonight’s action at Anfield.

Page 3

1. HT: Liverpool 3-0 Athletic Bilbao
2. Athletic Bilbao are ready and waiting in the tunnel. Here come Liverpool now…
3. And 20-year-old goalkeeper Armin Pecsi is coming on to make his Anfield introduction for the second half, replacing Freddie Woodman.
5. HT: Liverpool 3-0 Athletic Bilbao
6. Image source, Getty Images
7. Image source, Getty Images
8. Image source, Getty Images
10. HT: Liverpool 3-0 Athletic Bilbao
11. I’m not 100% sure how Athletic Bilbao will play this at half-time.
12. While Liverpool have clearly named a separate team for the two games, the visitors named their entire travelling squad for this match.
13. Either way, expect quite a few changes at the break and over the course of the second half.
15. Liverpool 3-0 Athletic Bilbao
16. A very pleasing first half for the hosts.
18. Ben Doak
19. Ben Doak does get his goal just moments later!
20. It’s not as spectacular as it might have been had his previous attempt flown in, but it’s thoroughly deserved nonetheless.
21. The 19-year-old Scot drives a low ball across from the right, it looks as though it may have been heading wide of the far post, but keeper Alex Padilla makes a mess of it and diverts it into the net in attempting to gather.
23. Liverpool 2-0 Athletic Bilbao
24. What a goal that would’ve been!
25. A corner comes out to Ben Doak some 25 yards from goal and he hits it first-time on the bounce, drawing a great save from Alex Padilla.
27. Liverpool 2-0 Athletic Bilbao
28. Rio Ngumoha runs at the Athletic Bilbao defence – he is fearless – and attempts to squeeze a pass through to Darwin Nunez, but the gap is closed down at the last second.
30. Liverpool 2-0 Athletic Bilbao
31. All smiles from Arne Slot in the Liverpool dugout. Very relaxed and undoubtedly enjoying what he has seen so far from his players in this first half.
33. Liverpool 2-0 Athletic Bilbao
34. Athletic Bilbao earn a corner and Liverpool don’t deal with it convincingly at all. Freddie Woodman is relieved to see a header bounce wide of his back post there.
36. Liverpool 2-0 Athletic Bilbao
37. Darwin Nunez races on to a ball over the top from Alexis Mac Allister, but it won’t quite drop for him where he needs it.
38. He does earn a corner, but Alex Padilla catches it unchallenged.
41. The Premier League champions have been very busy in the summer transfer window as they prepare to defend their title.
42. And the fans will hope to get a look at some of Liverpool’s new signings on home turf later this evening.
43. Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Armin Pecsi and Freddie Woodman – who starts in goal in this first match – have all moved to Anfield over the summer, as Arne Slot begins to mould the side before his second campaign.
44. Image source, Getty Images
46. Liverpool 2-0 Athletic Bilbao
47. It’s all settled down a bit and evened out after an energetic start by Liverpool.
48. Don’t forget, we’ve got round two to come at 20:00 BST, when we’ll likely see most of the Reds’ first-team players in action.
51. Rio Ngumoha, who turns 17 later this month, is an England Under-17 international, who made his Reds debut in an FA Cup win over Accrington in January.
52. He was the second youngest player in the club’s history, aged 16 years and 135 days in that game, just after Jerome Sinclair in 2012.
53. But he is not a Reds academy product, only moving to Anfield last summer from Chelsea.
54. He has already scored this summer in a friendly against Yokohama F. Marinos.
55. Image source, Getty Images
57. Liverpool 2-0 Athletic Bilbao
58. With Rio Ngumoha seizing his moment in the spotlight, the 19-year-old Ben Doak wants in on the action and almost squeezes a shot in from a tight angle – but he’s denied by a combination of keeper and woodwork.
60. Liverpool 2-0 Athletic Bilbao
61. A lovely moment at Anfield there as the football is paused and players, staff and fans unite in applause, and Diogo Jota’s name is chanted around the stadium.
63. Liverpool 2-0 Athletic Bilbao
64. Alexis Mac Allister lines up the free-kick and opts to play it short. The ball is worked over to Rio Ngumoha, who excites the crowd yet again with quick feet on the left but runs out of space.
65. As we reach the 20th minute, the players stop to pay tribute Diogo Jota.
67. Liverpool 2-0 Athletic Bilbao
68. Alejandro Rego is very late with a tackle on Curtis Jones and is shown a yellow card as he halts the Liverpool man’s progress as he carries the ball upfield.
70. Liverpool 2-0 Athletic Bilbao
71. Athletic Bilbao haven’t offered much so far but, after Andy Robertson gets an important block in, Andoni Gorosabel follows in and whacks a shot against the crossbar.
73. Liverpool 2-0 Athletic Bilbao
74. Alexis Mac Allister tries to whip a cross towards the back post with the outside of his foot but nobody reads it.
75. Athletic Bilbao are forced into an early change following an injury to Benat Prados, with Robert Navarro coming on.
77. Liverpool 2-0 Athletic Bilbao
78. Image source, Getty Images
79. In recent days, the Saudi Pro League has emerged as a possible destination for Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez as he explores a move away from the club this summer.
80. BBC Sport understands that a move to the Middle East for the Uruguay international has been explored and intermediaries are actively working on trying to broker a deal, with Al-Hilal, who are controlled by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), interested.
81. Should they strike a deal, that could financially aid Liverpool’s efforts to land Alexander Isak from Newcastle – also owned by PIF – after the Magpies rejected a £110m bid from the Reds on Friday.
82. Newcastle valuing the Sweden international at about £150m. According to football finance expert Kieran Maguire, Liverpool can afford to buy Isak regardless of Nunez’s future, given they have recouped an initial £115 of their £265m outlay this summer through the sales of Luis Diaz, Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Page 4

1. Liverpool 2-0 Athletic Bilbao
2. Athletic Bilbao triple up on Rio Ngumoha as he threatens to weave his way inside from the left, and still the teenager earns a corner for the home side.
3. It’s eventually cleared by Athletic Bilbao after an unconvincing punch from the goalkeeper.
5. Liverpool 2-0 Athletic Bilbao
6. You try not to overhype young players too much, but you could forgive Liverpool fans for getting a bit giddy about Rio Ngumoha’s potential on the basis of these opening minutes.
7. Athletic Bilbao are yet to turn up.
9. Darwin Nunez
10. Some start, this.
11. Rio Ngumoha goes from scorer to provider as he heads down Ben Doak’s excellent cross into the path of Darwin Nunez, who makes no mistakes in the six-yard box.
12. The fans chant his name and he shows his appreciation.
13. Image source, getty images
15. Rio Ngumoha
16. Introducing Rio Ngumoha!
17. WOW.
18. There was an immediate buzz around Anfield as the talented 16-year-old got on the ball and immediately drove towards goal.
19. And you can absolutely see why when he can produce moments like that! He doesn’t hesitate, lifting his head up and bending a stunning shot into the corner to the delight of the home support.
20. Image source, Getty Images
22. Liverpool 0-0 Athletic Bilbao
23. Conor Bradley and Virgil van Dijk have been ruled out of tonight’s games because of a minor injury and illness respectively, while Alisson Becker and Joe Gomez remain unavailable.
24. Arne Slot says “it’s going to be tight” for Gomez and Bradley to make the Community Shield on Sunday, but expects Van Dijk and Alisson to be available.
26. Liverpool 0-0 Athletic Bilbao
27. You’ll Never Walk Alone is played before kick-off, with the fans rising to their feet and holding up flags, scarves and shirts paying tribute to Diogo Jota, before welcoming football back to Anfield with loud cheers.
29. Liverpool v Athletic Bilbao (17:00 BST)
30. Athletic Bilbao have gone for a different approach and named their team for both matches in one squad.
31. Here’s how Ernesto Valverde’s side look for the start of the first game…
32. Athletic Bilbao XI: Padilla, Gorosabel, Prados, De Luis, Lekue, Rego, Vesga, Serrano, Gomez, Berenguer, Guruzeta.
33. Subs: Simon, Santos, Vivian, Sancet, I Williams, N Williams, Galarreta, Yuri, Jauregizar, Maroan, Navarro, Canales, Vencedor, Adama, Izeta, Adu Ares, Areso, Dunabeitia, Johaneko.
34. Image source, Getty Images
36. Liverpool v Athletic Bilbao (17:00 BST)
37. Here’s how the teams are going to line up for friendly number one this evening.
38. Arne Slot names a youthful-looking Liverpool side which features teenagers Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni and Ben Doak.
39. Striker Darwin Nunez, who continues to be linked with a move away from the club, also starts.
40. Liverpool XI: Woodman, Tsimikas, Stephenson, Robertson, Nyoni, Jones, Elliott, Mac Allister, Doak, Ngumoah, Nunez.
41. Subs: Pecsi, Kone-Doherty, Koumas, Pilling, Danns, Lucky, Laffey.
42. Image source, Liverpool
45. On their return to Anfield, Liverpool’s supporters have been paying tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, outside the stadium this afternoon.
46. Phil Thompson and Athletic Bilbao president Jon Uriarte have just walked out on to the pitch with flowers and laid them on the pitch as the fans applaud and sing Diogo Jota’s chant.
47. Image source, Getty Images
48. Image source, Getty Images
49. Image source, Getty Images
50. Image source, Getty Images
53. Image source, Getty Images
54. Virgil van Dijk has also given his thoughts in the matchday programme, and the captain writes:
55. “It is still a bit surreal, to be honest, but we are coping in the best way possible as a team, and we are all trying to do the best job we can in order to get through this really difficult time.
56. “With everything that happened, it has been strange having to now try to carry on with work, with football. We will never forget Diogo, of course, but we just have to try to honour his memory. That’s what we try to do each and every day.
57. “I always come back to the fact that we have to look after Diogo’s family, his parents, and that’s the main thing. You think about so many different things, and it’s difficult to process. You can’t imagine the pain, the feeling that they have. That’s why we try to be there as much as we can, and for each other as well.
58. “That’s also why it is very important that we honour and carry on his legacy, not only for now and the next couple of months, but for as long as we can, because that is what he deserves.”
61. This will be Liverpool’s first game at Anfield since they lifted the Premier League trophy in May.
62. It will also be the first time that the team and supporters are reunited at the stadium since the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva.
63. “It will be great to be back at Anfield for the first time since we lifted the Premier League trophy back in May, and we are all looking forward to that,” Arne Slot wrote in the matchday programme.
64. “Of course, we know that this will also be an emotional occasion, being the first time that we have played at home since we lost Diogo. I know that you will want to pay your tributes before, during and after the games, and I know that we will hear his song ringing out throughout the evening.”
65. Image source, Getty Images
68. Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao will kick-off at 17:00 BST, before facing each other again at 20:00 after a bit of a breather and a debrief.
69. The Reds won games against Preston, Stoke City and Yokohama FM in July, but lost to AC Milan.
70. These are their final scheduled friendly matches before the Community Shield against Crystal Palace at Wembley on Sunday.
71. Five days later, they begin their Premier League title defence against Bournemouth.
72. Image source, Getty Images
75. Good afternoon, folks.
76. The start of the season is fast approaching and today we’re going to cast our eyes over the Premier League champions.
77. Liverpool are hosting Athletic Bilbao in back-to-back pre-season friendly matches at Anfield, with the first of those games just 15 minutes away.
78. Image source, Getty Images